The Green Bay Packers could use help at cornerback, especially after Nate Hobbs’ rocky start to his tenure in Green Bay. However, two of the most intriguing trade options just disappeared from the market after the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars made a surprising swap, Tyson Campbell for Greg Newsome, along with a few late-round picks.
Campbell wasn’t seen as a strong fit for the Packers, particularly after recently signing an extension with Jacksonville. But now that he’s in Cleveland, the Browns have more flexibility to restructure his deal if they choose. Newsome, on the other hand, had been floated as a trade candidate for months since he’s playing on his fifth-year option and is set to hit free agency next offseason.
With both of those players now off the board, the Packers will have to look elsewhere if they want to bolster their cornerback group and the best solution might come from an unexpected direction.
Rasul Douglas-style move
Back in 2021, the Packers explored a trade for veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but the deal never came together and he wound up with the Carolina Panthers instead. Green Bay pivoted by signing Rasul Douglas off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, a move that turned out far better than anyone expected.
Those kinds of midseason pickups rarely make such an impact, but the Packers’ pro scouting department has quietly built a strong track record in that area. Wide receiver Allen Lazard and converted corner Bo Melton also joined the team after being plucked from other practice squads.
One name that makes sense for another reunion is Kalen King, currently on the Panthers’ practice squad. King spent his first two training camps in Green Bay and was on the Packers’ own practice squad last season.
There are also several veteran options who fit the team’s preferred profile. Ambry Thomas, now on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, might be the closest stylistic match to Douglas, both were third-round picks with real NFL experience. Other available corners include Tre Flowers (Lions), Fabian Moreau (Vikings), Shaquill Griffin (Seahawks), Dane Jackson (Bills), and Damon Arnette (Texans), all of whom are eligible to sign elsewhere at any time.
For now, the Packers seem content to roll with Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton, and Kamal Hadden on the 53-man roster, with Micah Robinson on the practice squad. But if the secondary struggles again like it did against Dallas, general manager Brian Gutekunst could soon be exploring his next Rasul Douglas-style move.
Source: Yahoo!Sports
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